Women should do the self-exams about seven to 10 days from the beginning of their menstrual cycle, or about the same time each month if they no longer have periods, advised Dr. Magdalena Lombardi Plasilova, director of breast health services at Brookdale Hospital and Medical Center in New York City.

"Being a woman is the single greatest risk for breast cancer, so we must do everything we can to prevent becoming a statistic," Plasilova said in a hospital news release.

"We need to educate ourselves, our daughters, our sisters and our neighbors. It is essential for women to self-check, schedule regular screenings, and live a healthy lifestyle," she added.

Start the self-exam by removing your clothing and standing in front of a mirror. Look for any changes in the size, shape or color of your breasts, and any changes to the skin and nipples, such as sores, dimples or redness, she said.

Check all angles of your breasts by lifting and looking underneath them, as well as from the side. Put your hands over your head and repeat the process of checking all angles, Plasilova said.

Next, lie on the floor and feel each breast with the opposite hand, using a firm touch and a circular motion. Keep your fingers together and flat, not pointed. Do the same thing while standing, she said.

It's also important to get regular breast cancer screenings. Ask your doctor what type of screening you require and how often based on your individual risk. Learn your family history of breast cancer, she recommended.